Three months to lodge EQC claim
The Earthquake Commission (EQC) is reassuring Cantabrians that they have plenty of time to lodge a claim for any damage resulting from the 5.8 magnitude earthquake and after shock today.
Chief Executive Ian Simpson said the priority was for people to make sure their family and friends were safe.
“There is no need for people to rush back from holiday. Home owners with private insurance have three months to lodge a damage claim with EQC.”
Mr Simpson said EQC had staffed its call centres to deal with any calls as a result of the earthquake.
“People who need repairs can call 0800 DAMAGE and we will arrange the repairs on their behalf.”
Mr Simpson said EQC was not expecting to need another major assessment programme like the one it had just completed. However, it had a field staff of 200 assessors and estimators it could deploy in mid-January.
EQC will provide an update on the number of claims received on Tuesday, 28 December.